Saturday, December 13, 2014

Updates

Updated the Games List page (stats/games) to show player usernames instead of their real names

Updated the Recent Games list on the right side of the home page with a button to toggle the display of computer games in the list.

Updated the player Stats page to show the most recent games played by the player, and most recent records achieved by the player. There are also links to show all games by that player (view all…) under the Recent Games list.

Bug Fixes

Fixed a bug on the stats page which showed 'NaN' (Not a Number) in the some figures, instead of 'n/a'

Fixed a bug which meant that changing the dates in the Stats page, and clicking Refresh Stats had no effect - the results shown were the same as previously. This is now corrected.

Fixed bugs which meant that changes to the filters on the games list page were not reflected properly when the Refresh button was clicked. This is now corrected.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Updates

Made some aestethic changes to the display of online players and game requests.

Added a 'friend' icon beside online players who are in your friends list.

Bug Fixes

Fixed a bug that meant the F12 function key for submitting the remaining score for the current player to win the leg, as well as other function keys (for example pressing F5 with 60 remaining) didn't complete the leg correctly, and could also cause exceptions which crashed the program. This now works as expected.

Corrected the logic that determines if the score entered is valid in some scenarios

Fixed a bug which meant that if any player declined an online game request, those two players could not make new game requests to each other after that point.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

DartMan has been updated to version 2.2.1.5 with the following changes:

Updates:

Added ability to edit the display name in the Game Screen

This is possible only for non computer players, in offline games only.

Double-click the Player Name to edit it. Press enter when done.

Improved Computer Player logic when approaching or executing finishes. The Computer player attempts smarter choices now, dependent on how many darts they've thrown so far in the current turn. For example:

If the computer has 188 remaining and one dart left, he will aim for Treble 18

Single 18 leaves 170, which is still a finish.

With 50 remaining, and more than one dart, the Computer won't shoot for the bull, however if it's last dart he will shoot for bull.

The following updates have also been applied in the interim versions between this and version 2.2.1.0:

Updates:

Added a Frames Per Second option to control how many video frames are sent to the opposition player's computer in online web cam games. This should help allow players adjust video to a satisfactory level.

Added notification for a failed connection to the server. In these instances, logs will be uploaded to the server for my analysis.

Player states change if a local game is started now, no longer just Online games

Bug Fixes:

All game requests and rejected/cancelled, and existing games are quit if a player shuts down DartMan

Fixed a bug in the UDP hole punching code which meant that hole punches were not sent for as long a duration as the other client would be listening for them.

Fixed a bug that meant connection to server was lost when the player starts a local game.

Monday, October 13, 2014

A major update to the online code for DartMan should result in almost all logged-in players going online automatically, without any configuration! The same technique used for connecting players to the server is applied to the video-streaming between players, meaning that this should also have a much higher success rate. The online page layout has also been updated so that it is more fluid, and allows all the areas to be resized to suit your preference. The full list of changes in this release are as follows:

Updated the entire Networking codebase to use UDP instead of TCP for server and player to player connections. This should eliminate the need for manual router configuration for most users, and allow most users to go online automatically.

Reorganised the Online screen with sizable areas to better display all information.

When you go online, you are notified of how many players are online, and how many of those are friends.

New Video Streaming options:

Added Video Compression option to control level of compression.

Added Frames Per Second to Send option to control how many video frames are sent to the opposition player's computer. This should help adjust video to a satisfactory level.

These options should allow players to adjust the video streaming to a level that works well for their system.

Please set the video resolution to the lowest resolution on your WebCam initially, and then test with higher ones to see which gives the best balance between quality of image, and frame rate.Please provide any feedback or suggestions in the comments box below.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Updates

Clicking the highlighted player's name in the Online Lobby will open their stats page on the website.

Records are now shown to the user again when a player beats their best leg and/or high checkout. This was broken in the last few releases. Also, an optional sound is played when this occurs to further alert the player.

The Test Camera button is now disabled while there is an online game in progress. This is because clicking this button during a game could result in issues with the live video feed to the other player.

Bug Fixes

Fixed scenario where the video stream was too large to send to the remote player. Now, if too high a resolution is chosen for the webcam, DartMan will automatically reduce the resolution until a suitable one is found for streaming video.

Fixed a bug which caused users to go offline and online any time any setting was changed and saved.

DartMan will automatically update when restarted. Please provide feedback and suggestions in the comments, or via the Contact page on the website.

Friday, August 1, 2014

DartMan has been updated! The main changes are around the online video elements, with the match scores now shown with the remote player's video feed, and better resolution video now available. Full details of the changes are detailed below:

Updates

Added current game scores on top of the remote player's webcam screen

Added ability to select video resolution for web cam online games. Previously this was always set to the web cam's default setting.

In the online lobby, the selected player's country name is now shown above their flag.

Changing of online comms ports settings no longer requires a restart, unless you are in the middle of an online game.

Added a feedback form, accessible from the Help menu. It will also be shown the first time an online game is completed.

In the online lobby, the selected player's country name is now shown above their flag.

Bug Fixes

Fixed a bug in 'Best Of' games which was calculating the games required to win the game incorrectly. For example, in a best of 3 previously you would not win the match having won 2 legs. This is fixed now.

Fixed a bug which meant that a webcam game would only work once. In any subsequent games video would not be received from the remote player, until DartMan was restarted.

Fixed a bug causing the code that stops an online game to be executed twice

Fixed a bug which caused all online players to receive two notification messages when a player went offline

Fixed the link launched when clicking the balloon for help with connecting to online

DartMan will automatically update the next time it is launched. Please provide any feedback or suggestions in the comments below, or via the Contact page on our site.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

DartMan has been updated, with the major change being the ability to play sets of x number of legs, as well as the ability to play 'Best Of' x number of legs, rather than just 'First To'. This will allow draw results to be possible, which opens the way for adding tournaments/leagues, which is on the horizon.The changes in this release are:

Updates

Introduced/enabled the ability to play Set Games

Introduced the ability to draw games, by using the 'Best Of' option, instead of 'First To'.

This is only applicable to 'Best of' leg games (not sets).

Also, this currently does not apply to online games (but will shortly)

Improved further the automatic configuration of network ports for online play via UPnP

Bug Fixes

Fixed a bug which meant that when a user clicked the Logout button on the Connect tab, the online client remained running.

Fixed a bug where when an online web cam game completed, DartMan was still trying to receive remote web cam video from the other player.

The link for downloading the PDC Darts Demo installation (which contains the caller out sounds) in the Sounds Options tab is now working.

Website Updates

The DartMan website has also been updated, to handle the display of set games, and draws:

The Recent Results list shows the score with 'Legs' or 'Sets' to indicate the match type

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Updates

DartMan now checks for any existing DartMan UPnP port mappings (on any IP Address) that match the ports configured for use in DartMan, and if they exist, it deletes them so it can use them for itself. This covers scenarios where your PC IP address changes for any reason.

Added a notification sound which is played when a player comes online.

Bug Fixes

Fixed a bug which caused longer games (with more data) to not save to the database in certain scenarios. DartMan will not allow an exit until database saving is complete.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

DartMan version 2.2.0.5 has been released! This update contains the following changes:

Updates

Games are now tagged as WebCam games when a webcam has been used

Bug Fixes

Fixed a bug which showed the local player's username instead of the remote player in the game requests received list.

Fixed a bug that caused a timeout on the connection between 2 players if a game request was not responded to in a timely fashion

Fixed a bug from version 2.2.0.4 that meant after sending a request to a player, and either playing the game or cancelling the request, you couldn't send a game request to the same player unless you highlighted another player first. So if there was only one other player online, you needed to restart DartMan to play another game against this player.

Fixed a bug which caused longer games (with more data) to not save to the database in certain scenarios.

DartMan will auto update the next time it is started. Please provide feedback/suggestions in the comments below, or via the Contact page on the website.

Monday, June 16, 2014

DartMan has been updated, with a user interface overhaul, and a complete redo of the online elements. The User Interface has been reorganised into tabs, for easier navigation, and to allow expansion and addition of other games to be scored at later dates. Here is a breakdown of the tabs, and the elements within them:

Game Setup tab

Local x01 tab

Set up a game of x01 against human or computer opposition

Online tab

View who's online

View/Accept/Reject online game requests received

View/Cancel online game requests sent

Send a new online game request

Chat with other players in the lobby

View server messages about new games starting, or existing games finishing

Options tab

Connect Tab

Login to DartMan for online functionality and saving of scores/statistics

Sounds Tab

Configure sound settings

Game Options tab

Configure game options such as Shortcut Keys and Computer Throw delay

Network and Video tab

Configure Network Connectivity ports

Communication Port

Video Port

Configure and Test Camera for online play

x01 Game

This tab displays the current game of x01, whether online or offline.

Remote Player

This tab is only visible during an online game which has WebCam required checked. This tab will be selected when it is the other player's turn, so you can see their throw.

The game screen will be familiar to existing users, and so will most elements. The main difference is relating to the online elements, and configuring your PC to be able to use the online functionality. The most important thing in this regard is configuring online ports.

Setting Up Online Play

In order to play online, DartMan needs to be able to communicate with it's server, and also with other players who are connected. In order to do this, network ports need to be opened on your PC. There are a couple of steps you need to make after starting DartMan to ensure it will work online:

When you start DartMan, if you are prompted to allow or block the program's access to the internet or with a Firewall alert, click Allow.

Restart DartMan if you were prompted with the above message.

Go to the Options tab

Click Network and Video

Select an IP Address from the list (usually it should begin with "192.")

Click Auto Configure Ports

If you get a notification "UPnP configuration is applied. Please test connectivity to verify.":

Restart DartMan. Once restarted you should receive a notification that you are connected to the DartMan server, and then you are online.

If you get a notification "UPnP is not enabled for configuration on your PC and/or Router. Please enable UPnP and try again.":

Once you configure/enable UPnP, restart DartMan and then try to Auto Configure the ports again. If this still doesn't work, visit http://portforward.com for instructions on manually forwarding the DartMan ports to your PC. If you cannot get this to work, you can use the Contact Us page on our website and we will assist you getting going.

Once you are connected to the DartMan server, the next thing you should configure is your webcam:

Go to the Options tab

Click Network and Video

Select a webcam from the list, and click Test Camera

Adjust your webcam to a position you are happy with, and then click Stop Camera

Don't forget to click Apply Changes in the bottom right to save your camera selection!

That should be it! Go into Game Setup and click Online and say hello to anyone who's online, send them a game request and get playing!

Note: Check the WebCam check box if you want this game to be a webcam game, otherwise no web cam will be required to play.

When you are in an online game, there is chat available between you and your opposing player. If the chat isn't visible, it is because you have a low screen resolution. You can still view the chat window by clicking the View menu, then choosing Show Chat.

DartMan will automatically update when you start it next.

Please provide any feedback, bug reports, suggestions in the comments, or via the Contact Us page on our website.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Fixed a bug which caused legs to not save due to datetime culture issues. This only occurred in certain rare situations.

DartMan now automatically detects if the PDC DartsDemo is installed, for caller out sounds. If it is installed, and it's sounds location are different to those configured in the settings, it corrects this so that sounds will be played.

Please update when prompted when DartMan is launched to receive these fixes.

Monday, February 3, 2014

DartMan v2.1.0.1 has been released. The changes included are as follows:

Bug Fixes:

Fixed a bug in online play, which caused an incorrect Player to be associated to the game. This caused other issues with online play also.

DartMan now detects the default browser, and uses that when links to Register, Profile or Download Sounds are clicked. These windows now open immediately - previously this could freeze the program for 45 seconds.

Fixed 2 bugs caused when clicking the Options or My Friends menu within the View menu.

New Features:

Added a link to the 'Register Player' web page from the Friends Screen

Added a new menu option in the Game Screen: Help -> View log files...

This option will open the folder where logs are stored, for assisting with any issue diagnosis if necessary.

DartMan will automatically update the next time it is launched. Please leave feedback in the comments, or via the Contact Us page on the site.

Friday, January 31, 2014

DartMan v2.1.0.0 has been released! This release includes a number of bug fixes. The main new functionality included is the addition of online play. This feature allows players to play against other DartMan players who are logged into DartMan.

DartMan now contains an Online tab. Here is a screenshot of this new tab:

DartMan Online Options

Toolbar Button Descriptions:

Connect - Connect to Online

Disconnect - Disconnect from Online

Game Request:

Send - Send a Game Request to the selected player

The Game Request will match the Game Settings chosen in the lower half of the screen

Cancel - Cancel a previously sent Game Request

Status:

Ready - Means you are available to receive Game Requests

Not Ready - Means you are not available to receive Game Requests

Instructions to start an online game:

Open DartMan

If the Online tab is not visible, click the Connect button, and log into DartMan.

Click the Online button.

If you wish to send a game request:

Set the game options in the lower half of the screen

Highlight the player you wish to play against

Click the Send button

If the remote player accepts the request, then you will be informed of this, and can commence the game.

If you receive a game request, a window will pop up detailing the request. If you wish to play, click Accept

WebCam Play

If you wish to play using WebCams to show your board, and see your opponents board, you can tick the Require WebCam check box.

Once a web cam game is accepted, you will have the option to Launch Video - this will open your browser and navigate to a video chat service, and open a specific room that only you and your opponent will be a member of.

If you use this approach, DartMan can automatically switch between the WebCam view of your opponents board, and the DartMan scoring application, depending on whose turn it is.

Tips for video chat:

Close all browsers, then open a blank page in one browser (Google Chrome and Firefox only are supported for built in video)

If the WebCam chat doesn't open first time, close any Browser tabs that DartMan automatically opened, and retry with step one above (DartMan will give itself longer each time to get it working)

If this is failing, you can negotiate with your opponent to use Skype, or some other video chat service instead.

InGame Chat

It is possible to send chat messages to your opponent whilst in the game, if required for any reason. To do this, Click the Chat with <player name> button in the bottom left of the screen. A chat window will open up in the bottom right corner of the screen, like this:

Just type a message, and click Send of press enter to send it.

Once you are in the game, scoring is done as usual:

When it is your throw, throw your darts, then enter your score

When it is your opponent's throw, you must wait until they enter their score, and then it will appear on your screen.

Remember, this is new functionality, and is a BETA version, as it requires extensive testing and feedback! Please feel free to provide feedback on it's performance and your experiences using online play, as well as any suggestions in the comments section below. All feedback is greatly appreciated.

DartMan will automatically update when you launch next.

Here is a list of all changes and fixes in this release:

New Features/Additions:

Added online play. Ability to play other DartMan members anywhere in the world.

Added the display of possible check outs once one player has a possible out shot.

Changed the Darts column back colour to Gray for better appearance

Bug Fixes:

Fixed a bug caused when using the 'Rematch' feature when playing the computer. In the game immediately after clicking Rematch, the computer's throw would commence on the wrong row (1 row from the top, instead of the top row).

Fixed a bug causing score validation to occur twice.

Fixed a bug which caused a crash when a non-logged in player started a new game.

Fixed a bug which meant that computer scores were not called out.

Fixed a bug which meant that 180 scores were not called out. This is because there are 3 variants of the 180 audio file. So one of these will randomly play now instead.

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Fixed a bug caused when using the 'Rematch' feature when playing the computer. In the game immediately after clicking Rematch, the computer's throw would commence on the wrong row (1 row from the top, instead of the top row).

Fixed a bug causing score validation to occur twice.

Fixed a bug which caused a crash when a non-logged in player started a new game.

Fixed a bug which meant that computer scores were not called out.

DartMan will update automatically when opened next.

Coming soon: DartMan online play. DartMan will soon allow players to play other DartMan players anywhere in the world. Watch this space!